Chianti Classico: "Best of the Best"

About three years ago I published my Brunello di Montalcino “Best of the Best,” which became extremely popular receiving over 6,000 views. I wrote it because I was consistently being asked an impossible question to answer, namely: which in your opinion is the best Brunello di Montalcino?

Because the Brunello article has proved very popular with my readers, I have decided to pen a Chianti Classico: "Best of the Best"featuring the wines that have impressed me the most over the past decade.

The Chianti Classico denomination is so diverse in its grape variety, therefore, I will omit the IGTs to narrow the field.

These chosen wines, have laid to rest a nagging doubt that was concerning me years ago: Was the introduction of the Gran Selezione category a wise choice for the Chianti Classico denomination to embark on? Looking at my list, revealed to me that the vast majority of the wines I chose ARE in fact, Gran Selezione!

I have tasted thousands of Chianti Classico wines and this list in my opinion, represents the finest of them to date:

Borgo Scopeto

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione 2019

Medium ruby red in colour with pink reflections. A floral canopy of violet, bluebell, gardenia, red and pink rose petal, exotic spice, blonde tobacco leaf, warm metallic earth notes and dried herbs. Rainier cherry, dark plum, crushed raspberry, mint, pomegranate, smoky cedar and sandalwood aromas, incense and forest floor dry leaf litter. Warm and silky upon entry, rich elegant body. Freshness that gives suppleness. Textures that run deep. Paints the palate with a light stroke. Very impressive…a new style Chianti Classico!

Points 97 TW

Casaloste

Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva 2019

Medium ruby red in colour. Delicate aromatics of pale blue and white florals, cherry and dewberry, menthol and orange peel. Cool entry, great weight, fruit just packed in surrounded by a structure of minerality, ripe tannins and vibrant acidity. Stunning textural richness. Infinite finish.

Points 98 TW

Casaloste

Chianti Classico DOCG 2021

Medium ruby red in colour. The olfactory complexity is worthy of further waiting. The bouquet of this wine is “off the charts”. Florals of rose petal, bluebell, violet and lavender florals start the engagement, then essence of citrus, tobacco drying in a warm breeze, sage and mint just crushed, dark exotic spices, bitter chocolate…it just goes on!

Cool entry, plump and juicy, succulent. Such balance. The palate is stunned by the creamy imbibe. Terrific persistence. On the back end fruit flavours in bold print. Can Chianti Classico get any better? Trophy winner of a wine.

Points 100 TW

Castello di Albola

Santa Caterina

Chianti Classico DOCG 2016

Deep ruby red. Aromatic delineation. Elegant. Concentrated red fruits of meticulous selection and quality. Persistent. Layered and intense. In short…totally outstanding!

Points 96 TW

Castello di Ama

San Lorenzo

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione 2015

Dark silky wine. Luscious and deep. Full bodied with black cherry, spice, tobacco, mint. Drinking well now , this wine will give pleasure for decades to come. This wine has it all! 2018-2038

Points 97 TW

Castello di Ama

Vigneto Bellavista

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione 2016

Dark ruby red in colour with purple undertones. Delicate floral bouquet. Fresh dark sweet cherry, pomegranate, sweet tobacco, grilled Mediterranean herbs. Captivates from the beginning then tales you on a journey of sheer joy! Incredibly balanced, each element in total cohesion. Gently seduces the mid palate, then introduces a finish that lasts for minutes.

Points 99 TW

Castello di Volpaia

Casanova Il Puro

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione 2021

Deep ruby red in colour. Difficult to draw back from mesmerising bouquet, showcasing ripe red berry fruits, rose petals, essence of citrus, exotic spice, tanned leather and lavender undertones. Rainier cherry, fresh plum, blackberry, raspberry, blood orange, cinnamon and black tea. Showing ripeness , structure and pedigree, typical of Radda. The wine brings together all the qualities of this exceptional vintage.

Points 98 TW

Colombaio di Cencio

Vinci

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione 2021

Pale ruby red in colour. Lifted aromatics of pink rose petals, red peony and carnation with clove and menthol infused herbs. Rainier cherry, pomegranate, blood orange, eucalyptus, blonde tobacco and Kirsch. Opens up on the mid palate giving freshness and suppleness. Waves of core fruit concentrate the mind assisted by tingling acidity and fine grained tannins. Structure of complex minerality noted. Finish lasts for minutes.

Points 97 TW

Colombaio di Cencio

Lodoli

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione 2021

Medium ruby red in colour with pink highlights. Aromas of honeysuckle, candied orange peel, sweet tobacco, distant balsam notes all held aloft on a sway of cherry syrup. Bing cherry, red plum, dewberry, pomegranate, distant clove, cinnamon and fennel pollen.Warm and silky on the palate, just hangs there admiring the view, then plunges giving a plethora of layered liquid pleasure. Infinite on the close.

Points 97+ TW

Fèlsina

Colonia

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione 2015

Dark ruby red in colour. Black cherry, blackberry, liquorice, sweet tobacco. Rich, multilayered floral notes.Captivating. Everything in its place now, but will last many decades to come. Do not miss this wine!

Points 97 TW

Fontodi

Vigna del Sorbo

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione 2016

Deep ruby red in colour. Wild cherry, liquorice, orange peel, violet florals.Stunning energy. Saturates the palate, totally sensual. Seamless and unwavering.

Points 99 TW

Gagliole

Pecchia

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione 2018

Intense ruby red in colour. Fragrant canopy consisting of violet, hyacinth and dried cherry. A medley of red and black fruits, salty chocolate, fennel pollen, distant mint and tanned leather. Phenomenal intensity in its ripe core fruit and aromatics. Exotic  beauty. A wine of impact. Compact tannins and zingy acidity are becoming interwoven into the main textured matrix of this wine. Finely balanced. A rare wine for very special occasions, just commencing its long journey.

Points 96-98 TW

Istine

Elle

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione 2022

Deep pink in colour. The olfactory complexity is worthy of further appraisal. Red blossom florals, wisteria, chamomile and rooibos tea. Dark scented Eastern spice, floral earth, cedar shavings and French mint. Bing cherry, crushed raspberry, plum, cranberry, pink grapefruit and blood orange. Liquorice and sweet tobacco notes. Very elegant body showing on entry. Bountiful rich textures. Refreshing acidity. Close knit tannins. Superb intensity. Vibrates with energy. Epic on the close.

Points 97 TW

Isole e Olena

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016

Intense ruby red in colour. Aromatics of violet florals, black fruits and scented spice. Blackberry, blackcurrant, loganberry, sweet tobacco, asphalt, bitter orange peel, cedar and far east spice tray. Jet propelled rush to the senses on entry, absorbing display of fruit, spice, minerality and  complexity, texture and depth. Full bodied, but totally relaxed, elegant and refined. Tannins have all but dissolved, the fresh acidity still in play, assists to give a lifted freshness to the rich body. A liquid pleasure bomb!

Points 98+ TW

Mazzei

Vicoregio 36

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione 2021

Castelnuovo Berardenga

Intense ruby red in colour. Lifted aromatic profile of violet and lavender florals, cherry, cranberry, cedar shavings and distant oaky vanilla. Introduces stunning textural richness. Plump and juicy. Superb concentration. Poised and balanced. Secondary nuances of dark chocolate, mellow exotic spice and bitter orange peel. Gives layers of pleasure. Infinite finish.

Points 96 TW (originally tasted February 2025)

Points 98 TW (re-tasted February 2026 from double magnum)

Podere Le Cinciole

Aluigi

Campo ai Peri

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione 2019

Pale ruby red in colour with bright highlights. Aromatic delineation of violet, Iris and hyacinth. Plenty to say for itself from the start. Blackberry, dark plum, damson, liquorice, tobacco and cedar notes. Rich. Intense. Precise and seamless. A black hole of textural depth. A trophy winner of a wine.

Points 98 TW

Podere Le Cinciole

Aluigi

Campo ai Peri

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione 2021

Pale ruby red in colour with purple undertones. Delicate yet serious aromatic profile. Medley of cherries, crushed raspberry, sweet blonde tobacco, blackberry, plum, tar and cedar notes. Rainier cherry, pomegranate, cooked rhubarb, sweet scented spice notes, salty liquorice, mild menthol notes and sea pebble minerality. Palate is warm, full and sublime. Endless complexity. Mineral spine.Copious sweet tannins engage with vibrant acidic energy. Balanced to a micron. Awesome mouthfeel. A liquid pleasure bomb.

Points 99 TW

Principe Corsini

Zac

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione 2021

Bright ruby red in colour with purple undertones. Aromatic delineation and nuances are compelling and beguiling, ripe dark berry fruits, exotic spice tray, blood orange, salty liquorice and dark blue florals. Bing cherry, pomegranate, raspberry, wild strawberry, blonde tobacco and distant fragrant tree bark. Warm, elegant and bright upon entry. Balanced. Vibrating acidity. Defined and multilayered. Wow!

Points 98 TW

Querciabella

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione 2018

Translucent pink in colour with bright ruby red highlights. Aromatics of violet, hyacinth and gardenia florals. Redcurrant, white cherry, loganberry, damp earth, bay leaf, oaky vanilla and orange peel. On the palate the wine takes its time, following air intake it opens up, the breadth of flavour is mesmerising. Graceful and subtle.Finely grained tannins vie with fresh mellow acidic nuances. Body sculpted by school of Michelangelo. Sangiovese on another level.Paints the entire palate with a light stroke. Outstanding.

Points 98+ TW

Querciabella

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione 2019

Pale purple in colour. Lifted aromatics of red florals, cherry, mint and orange peel. Rainier cherry, pomegranate, blood orange, sweet tobacco, cedar shavings, liquorice and slate. On entry, silky tannins encircle fresh ripe fruit. Exceptional finesse. Plump and juicy. Aromatic delineation carries on from start to finish. Creamy. Standout wine. Loiters on the close.

Points 98 TW

Ricasoli 1141

Colledilà

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione 2021

Intense ruby red in colour. Aromatic profile consisting of red rose petals, spice notes, mint, fennel pollen and white smoke. Dark red cherry, plum, salty liquorice, cinnamon and clove. Boisterous and super expressive on the palate.Chalky tannins engage with brisk acidity. Focused. Positive textural structure. Unique mineral expression. Balanced to perfection. Delivers beautifully.

Points 98 TW

Riecine

Vigna Gittori

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione 2020

Intense ruby red in colour. Lifted aromatics of violet, pale rose petal, bluebell florals and distant mint. Red cherry, redcurrant, pomegranate, lead pencil and damp forest floor. Jet propelled rush to the senses. Very elegant body. Silky structured textures interplay with ripe fruit, spice and complexity minerality on the mid palate. Striking character, full of poise and finesse. A whiff of gunpowder smoke and lime leaves follow on the long juicy close. Top drawer.

Points 98 TW

Rocca di Montegrossi

Vigneto San Marcellino

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione 2013

Bright ruby red in colour. Focused. Great depth. Meticulous fruit quality. Savoury. Line of pure clean minerality underpinning this joyous wine. So elegant.

Points 97 TW

Rocca di Montegrossi

Vigneto San Marcellino

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione 2020

Deep ruby red in colour. Needs plenty of aeration. The olfactory complexity is well worthy of the wait. Dense, sensual, deep and exotic, does not even get close to explaining the aromatic profile consisting of ripe dark berry fruits, sour cherry, warm liquorice, sweet scented tobacco leaf, white pepper, date, crushed petals of violet, bluebell and lilac florals. Blackcurrant, blueberry, dark plum, exotic spice box, floral underbrush and orange peel. On the palate, rich and warm, a liquid version of the bouquet. More defined and precise than most previous editions. Wow!

Points 98 TW

Ruffino

Romitorio Di Santedame

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione 2022

Deep ruby red in colour. A cornucopia of crushed warm ripe red and dark forest berries,

marinating in a bed of spirit infused with exotic spices.Blood orange sour cherry, white smoke, mint and fennel pollen.Blackberry, blueberry, blackcurrant, raspberry, cherry and strawberry notes. Alongside sweet toasted tobacco, grilled herbs and a whiff of espresso on the back end. Outstandingly rich and textural, yet elegant and super refined. A mix of savoury minerals coming off mid palate. So complex and expressive. Sweet classic accents appear on the close.

Points 97 TW

San Giusto A Rentennano

Riserva le Baròncole

Chianti Classico DOCG 2022

Bright ruby red in colour. Bouquet consists of dark blue and purple florals, dark berry fruit compote, warm liquorice notes, toasted fragrant tobacco, dried sage, cherry liquor, cinnamon, cedar and clove nuances. Blackcurrant, blackberry, damson, dark chocolate, dried fig and prune, slate and warm floral earth.Agile with enormous textural presence. Spicy character. Formidable balance. Acidity and tannins in harmony. Simply exquisite.

Points 97 TW

Tenuta di Arceno

Chianti Classico DOCG 2021

Medium ruby red in colour with bright purple undertones. Aromas of red florals, warm cherry liquor, sweet toasted tobacco and eucalyptus. Blackberry, medley of cherry, redcurrant, liquorice and asphalt. On entry, a jet propelled rush to the senses. A liquid pleasure bomb.The textural depth and volume would fill a galaxy! The cherry nuance is enough to captivate the imbiber, let alone all the other notes. Fine tannins balance out ultra fresh tangy acidity.Energy just leaps out of the glass. Light saline savouriness. Persistent long close. Wow! Wow! Wow!

Points 98+ TW

Tenuta Casenuove

Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva 2021

Deep ruby red in colour. Heady aromatics rise from the glass, dark wild forest berries, sour cherry, exotic scented spice notes, blood orange and warm dark chocolate. Blackberry jam, blackcurrant, blueberry, dark plum, candid orange and lemon peel. Smoky woodland scents. On the palate, silky tannins encircle ripe fresh fruit core. Refreshing acidity. Superb transparency. Rare complexity and sense of place. Just opens up and blossoms on the back end.

Points 97 TW

Tenuta Casenuove

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione 2021

Intense ruby red in colour. Aromatic delineation and nuances transfix the imbiber. Warm soft ripe crushed cherries assault the senses, immediately followed by blackberry cassis, fragrant tobacco leaf, warm liquorice, vanilla, Mocha and distant eucalyptus. Bing cherry, sour cherry, redcurrant, dark plum, blackcurrant, grilled herbs and sea pebble minerality. Showcasing opulent rich textures. Utterly compelling. Copious sweet tannins interplay with wry, playful acidity. A perfect indulgence.

Points 98 TW

Villa Calcinaia

Vigna Contessa Luisa

Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione Gran Selezione 2019

Pale ruby red in colour. Difficult to draw back from the pulsating bouquet. Imagine a florist window display in bright sunlight, upon entering the rush to your senses of heady aromatics. Blackberry, blueberry, nutmeg, liquorice, tar, bitter citrus peel and mint.Cool entry. Freshness that gives way to suppleness. Light in texture. Savoury.Slightly racy. Still very youthful, needs time to flush out . Lingers on the close. Outstanding.

Points 97 TW

Here are three wines that do not comply with the strict guidelines for DOCG, yet are made within Chianti Classico, contain 100% Sangiovese, and because of their exceptional quality fully deserve to be included within ‘The Best of the Best’:

Fontodi

Flaccianello della Pieve 2015  (Posted 2018)

Colli Toscana Centrale IGT

Is an outright winner. Still in the first stages of evolution, tannins are fresh, not fully integrated with racy acidity. Black fruits abound. Full bodied. Rich. Great textural depth. To be fully rewarded you need to be patient: 2021+

Points 96-98 TW

Isole e Olena

Cepparello 2019 ( Posted 2023)

Toscana IGT

Ruby red in colour with pale purple reflections. Pale rose petal, violet, lavender and hyacinth complete the floral introduction. Blackberry, blackcurrant date, loganberry, Kirsch infused sour cherry. Notes of dark scented spice and incense. Express aromas. Floral underbrush. Silky an elegant upon entry. Balanced like a coin on a Rolls Royce car engine. Signs of crunchy tannins and rapier acidity are a shadow of their former self. Secondary nuances of cedar shavings and marjoram. Full of energy. Some may say flirtatious. Hauntingly long and appealing. A liquid triumph.

Points 98 TW

Vecchie Terre di Montefili

Anfiteatro IGT 2016 (Posted 2021)

Intense ruby red in colour. So much pumping through the veins of this wine. Blackberry, blackcurrant, blood orange, an array of spice notes, Mocha and eucalyptus. Fresh as the morning dew. Balanced like gold scales. Outstanding.

Points 97 TW

With my thanks and congratulations to the producers of the wines selected on this list.

T.W.

© Tony Wood Italian Wine 2026